Hampstead Arts Festival: Clemency Burton-Hill

Hampstead Arts Festival: Clemency Burton-Hill

Clemency Burton-Hill, BBC presenter, writer and musician, talks about her new book, Year of Wonder: Classical Music for Every Day.

Have you ever heard a piece of music so beautiful it stops you in your tracks? Or wanted to discover more about classical music but had no idea where to begin?

Classical music has a reputation for being difficult to understand and largely inaccessible to those who aren't already 'in the know'. Clemency fiercely rejects this notion, believing the only entry criteria for a life-enhancing relationship with classical music is ears. She wants everyone, irrespective of background or education, to feel welcome at the classical party. Even the busiest among us, Clemmie believes, can find time to listen to a piece a day - and, like a regular dose of meditation or mindfulness, such music might just inspire, nourish and enrich our lives in unexpected ways.